There are only two rules when it comes to selecting a host gift for the person who has been shopping, cooking, and generally sweating over your Thanksgiving meal for the last week:
First, yes, you must bring something. Some hosts will politely say not to, but consider the turkey-and-potatoes-and-cranberries-and-green-beans-and-pies. You’ll realize it’s your duty, as a dinner guest, to contribute. Of course, if you were asked to bring a sweet potato casserole, don't even think about showing up with a honey ham or pumpkin pie.
But the second rule is to always bring a separate small gift as a token of your appreciation. Bringing a bottle of your host's favorite wine or an additional six-pack of beer is a smart, easy, and affordable way to say thanks. But it's not the only option. Below are some of our favorite Thanksgiving gifts.
Alex Van Buren is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @alexvanburen.
Le Creuset Set of Mini Cocottes
These adorable little cocottes make for a welcome addition to even the best-stocked kitchens.
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $100
Cake Stand
You can’t go wrong with a cake stand—especially when it’s made of Waterford crystal. Pull out all the stops by baking a cake to go with it.
To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $235
Board Game
Break the tradition of bringing wine by gifting your host with a board game instead. Trivial Pursuit is a fun way to distract guests from the discomfort of their food comas.
To buy: amazon.com, from $30
A Wintery Candle
Help get your host into the holiday spirit with this dainty little candle that’s reminiscent of a warm fire.
To buy: net-a-porter.com, $65
Himalayan Salt Mortar and Pestle
This unique gift will assuredly put a smile on any foodies face. Crush herbs, dips, and salsas in this mortar made of Himalayan crystal salt to amplify the flavor.
To buy: uncommongoods.com, $36
Bath Oil
Help your host unwind once all the guests have left by giving them a relaxing bath oil. We love this scent and infusion of stress-relieving salts from the Dead Sea by Molton Brown.
To buy: moltonbrown.com, $30
Kusmi Tea Sampler
Whether your host decides to put these out for dessert or keep them for themselves, this assortment of Kusmi’s exclusive blends is a foolproof gift.
To buy: kusmitea.com, $65
Zeel Gift Card
Assuming your host is going to be pretty wiped out from all the planning, cooking, running around, and shopping that go hand-in-hand with entertaining, an in-home gift certificate for a massage is an excellent, thoughtful way to say thank you.
To buy: zeel.com, prices vary
Match Holder and Striker
For the person who has everything, consider this gorgeous little faux-shagreen match striker by Aerin.
To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $330
Red Wine Stain Remover
This red wine stain remover from “Chateau Spill” is practical with a side of humor.
To buy: uncommongoods.com, $8
Tureen Set
Another useful gift for host who loves to entertain, this decorative tureen is inspired by 17th century Portuguese design and comes with a matching platter and ladle.
To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $485
Sugar & Creamer Set
This lovely sugar and creamer set is both pretty and practical—especially if your host entertains often.
To buy: bloomingdales.com, $260
Moscato d’Asti: Cascinetta Vietti or Elio Perrone Sourgal
The ultimate host gift can double, in a pinch, as a backup comestible. Giving a sparkling wine, for example, ensures there's a bottle left by the time the dessert course rolls around. Select something delicate, not overwhelmingly sweet, or opt for a good, dry Riesling.
To buy: wine.com, $15.99
Really Gorgeous Measuring Spoons
Well-made, good-looking measuring spoons (such as these pewter ones engraved with flowers) always come in handy. And may even encourage your host to tackle the Thanksgiving feast next year.
To buy: beehivehandmade.com, $58
Honey and Good Cheese
Wrapped cheese and honey make a cute duo, regardless of whether or not the host serves them together. We love this Catskill Provisions honey, which goes nicely with a creamy goat cheese.
To buy: mouth.com, from $6
Really Good Chocolate
Like a dessert wine, a box of chocolates can double as a Thanksgiving treat or a gift for your host to enjoy after the last guest has left. Whether you go with adorable (such as John & Kira’s tiny “bees”) or elegant (crème brûlée truffles from Kee’s) confections, it’s the rare host that won’t appreciate the sweet gesture.
To buy: amazon.com, $29.95
Bottle of Barolo
If money isn’t an object (and one of your hosts is a fan of red wine), splurge on a good bottle of Barolo. A primer on the wine is here, and the owner of the best wine shop near you can guide you to a vintage bottle between $50 and $100.
To buy: wine.com, $54.99
Luxardo Cherries and a Pint of Vanilla Ice Cream
These Italian marasca cherries are as gorgeous as they are delicious. Pair them with a pint of vanilla ice cream for your host to spoon them over later (or, if you're lucky, while you're still around).
To buy: amazon.com, $24.99
Hard Cider
‘Tis the season for cider everything, including donuts, cobbler, and—of course—hard apple cider. If you haven’t tried any of the newest incarnations of this autumnal beverage, you’re missing out. (We’re particularly partial to the fizzy French variety.)
To buy: ludwigsfinewine.com, $11.95
Maple Syrup and Pancake Mix
Whoever just brined and roasted that turkey isn’t going to want to cook much the following morning, so make it easy. Homemade or store-bought pancake mix, plus some killer maple syrup. We like this bourbon-barrel-matured rendition from Noble Handcrafted.
To buy: mouth.com, $5.50
A Gift Certificate for Pizza Delivery
Pick up an old-school paper gift certificate to your host's favorite local pizzeria or Thai restaurant—or buy a gift card on Seamless. He or she will definitely be giving thanks when they don't have to cook the day after Thanksgiving.
To buy: seamless.com, from $10
